Introducing Natalie Ann Richter!

Our surprise trip to the hospital brought us even more surprises when we found out that Flipper was breech. Not only breech, but folded in half so her head AND feet were up under my ribs. Since my water had already broken, there was no way to turn her or move her. Dr. Hubener, the doctor on call at the time, informed me that a c-section was the only way to proceed. She was so calm and matter of fact about it, I was not nervous. Not exactly what we had expected or planned, but it never is with kids! This was us getting ready once we were admitted.

Less than 45 minutes later, Natalie Ann Richter was born

Natalie Ann Richter

18 inches long

6lbs 11oz

We got some great pictures right at birth, but they aren't "web appropriate"  :)  Mark even got a video of the doctors cleaning Natalie up and he little feet kept popping right back up to her face. They would try and put them down and up they would pop again. I guess she was used to being folded in half in my stomach. The only downside to a c-section is that I didn't get to hold her right away. She was whisked away to the nursery to warm up, and I was wheeled to recovery

It's amazing what you can get done in the recovery room- we made all of our announcement phone calls, get to relax a little, even sent out an email letting everyone know! As nice as recovery was, it was even better to be wheeled to my room where I finally got to meet Natalie for the first time. I had fallen in love with her when I first saw her, but holding her was even better!

After making sure she had all ten toes and ten fingers, we took a few pictures. Aren't we the proud parents?

Although she does look similar to Sami when she was born, I think Natalie may end up looking more like me *fingers crossed!*

Ahhhh, the elusive newborn picture with eyes open. Here she looks like Mark- look at all that hair!

Grandma brought Big Sister Sami to see Natalie. It was precious!

It made it easier that she got Big Sister gifts too!

Sami was great, she shared her toys with her little sister

I think she liked playing on Daddy's computer more though!

It was nice to have visitors 

Auntie Jen and Grandma

Auntie Jessica and Crazy unkie Pokie

Kirsten and Brent

It was a surprising, exhilarating, wonderful, proud day. Looking forward to tomorrow!